Hi All, I dont quite understand the technique seen in most older show quality junipers, where the live veins are cleaned of the outer grey ugly bark , and left with bright smooth red bark. I understand the jinning and stripping of the dead areas, but what is done to the live bark to look like its does? Wire brush?, if so how much , is the bark treated to get the rather shiny look?

Most junipers have brown flaky bark. For some reason, many bonsaiests like to peel the outer bark off to expose the newly forming red bark underneath. I doubt that wire brush comes into the picture very often because it could damage the tender(ish) new bark, though a fiber brush might be used. Then, a light oil is sometimes rubbed into the red bark at show time to brighten it.

I dunno if this is an "advanced" technique or not. Personally, I think that all make the trees look very artificial, but it is 100% a matter of taste.

_________________Jim Lewis - lewisjk@windstream.net - Western NC - People, when Columbus discovered this country, it was plumb full of nuts and berries. And I'm right here to tell you the berries are just about all gone. Uncle Dave Macon, old-time country musician

Thanks, didnt really think it was all that adavnced, but i was curious. I havent really decided if i like it either. Matter of taste i supose. My trees have always been for me anyway, there is a very small club here, but I tend to be on my own. The IBC, continues to be my favorite resource, thanks all